SafePlants

Tamarix: Tamarisk or Salt Cedar

The genus Tamarix, commonly known as tamarisk or salt cedar, comprises a group of flowering plants well-adapted to drier environments.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Salt cedar has small, scale-like leaves.
• The plant can secrete salt, which is then deposited on the soil surface.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Tamarix spp.
• Common Names: Tamarisk, Salt Cedar, Saltcedar, Smokebush, Pink Cascade
• Family: Tamaricaceae
• Synonyms/Related Species:
  • Tamarix ramosissima (Saltcedar)
  • Tamarix chinensis (Chinese Tamarisk)
  • Tamarix parviflora (Smallflower Tamarisk) - Also known as Tamarix parviflora DC.
  • Tamarix gallica
  • Tamarix aphylla (Athel Tree)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native Range: Eurasia, Africa, Mediterranean region, Central Asia, North China
• Introduced Range: Widely distributed in the southwestern U.S., Texas, Mexico, and other areas.
• Habitat: Often infests waterways and riparian areas (land near water).

Ecological Role

• Tamarix species are considered invasive in many regions, particularly in the western United States.
• Saltcedar can form dense thickets, displacing native riparian species.
• It can alter water flow and availability, and inhibit the growth of natural vegetation.
• The plant is tolerant to high salinity and secretes salt, which is deposited on the soil surface.

Morphological Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Spreading shrubs or small trees, typically growing 5 to 30 feet tall, but can reach up to 50 feet.
• Branches: Numerous slender branches.
• Leaves: Small, alternate, scale-like leaves.
• Bark: Reddish-brown bark that becomes ridged and furrowed with age. Young stems have smooth reddish bark.
• Wood: Soft and white.
• Root System: Extensive, with a woody taproot that may penetrate over 50 feet.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The subtropical tamarisk beetle, Diorhabda sublineata, has been introduced as a biological control agent.
• The saltcedar leaf beetle, Diorhabda carinulata, is another species used for biological control.
• Saltcedar can cause displacement of native birds and animals.

Additional Resources

• National Institute of Invasive Species Science
• Salt Cedar (Tamarix) page of the Non-native Invasive Freshwater Plants, Washington State Department of Ecology
• USDA symbol: TARA
• EC164. Noxious Weeds of Nebraska. Robert Wilson and Stevan Knezevic, Extension Weed Specialists.